Let’s cut the bullshit: getting your pleasure brand noticed isn’t about hoping for a lucky break in The New York Times. It’s about crafting a story so compelling that editors and audiences can’t look away. The adult industry isn’t just selling toys or lube—it’s selling trust, empowerment, and a lifestyle. But how do you take a vibrator or a bottle of lube and make it scream “mainstream appeal”? It’s not magic; it’s strategy.
Making Pleasure Brands Pop in a Crowded Market
The pleasure industry is booming—$74.3 billion in supplements alone last year, and sex toys aren’t far behind. Yet, most brands struggle to break out of the adult niche into broader conversations. The trick? Stop pitching “sex” and start pitching solutions. Whether it’s a discreet vibe for travel or a lube easing postpartum intimacy, your product solves real problems. Here’s how to make the world notice.
Podcasts: Your Low-Hanging Fruit
Midsize podcasts—think 10,000 to 50,000 listeners—are goldmines. They’re not CNN, but their audiences are loyal as hell. Hosts diving into wellness, tech, or identity love a fresh angle, and pleasure brands fit right in.
- Tell a story: Are you a former performer launching a toy line? Or crafting adaptive gear for disabled users? That’s your hook.
- Educate, don’t sell: Share insights on body positivity or sex tech trends. Listeners hate ads but love learning.
I’ve seen brands get more clicks from a single podcast episode than a glossy mag feature. Why? Trust. Listeners feel like they’re eavesdropping on a real convo.
Think Beyond the Usual Suspects
Forget begging Vogue for a spread. Niche outlets—menopause newsletters, travel blogs, even leather-focused fashion zines—can amplify your brand if you frame it right. I once pitched a discreet vibrator to a travel site as the ultimate “carry-on companion.” They ate it up.
It’s not about changing your product; it’s about reframing the narrative to fit their audience.
– Industry PR Expert
Map your product to lifestyle categories like luxury, accessibility, or mental health. A lube isn’t just for sex—it’s for comfort. A toy isn’t just a toy—it’s empowerment.
Collaborations That Turn Heads
Nothing screams “newsworthy” like a killer collab. Team up with an influencer or performer, or sync your toy with a cam platform or VR experience. These intersections create stories editors can’t resist.
- A toy brand linking with VR platforms for immersive play.
- Performers launching signature lines that match their digital content.
These moves aren’t just sales drivers; they’re media catnip.
YouTube: The Sneaky Powerhouse
YouTube’s content rules are a pain, but don’t sleep on it. Creators in wellness, LGBTQ+, or relationship niches—some with millions of subs—can weave your product into their content without tripping alarms. They’re pros at making adult products feel PG while staying sex-positive.
Find creators whose values align with yours. Highlight what makes your product unique—maybe a vibe doubles as a stress reliever. Make their job easy with slick visuals and a clear call-to-action. One well-placed sponsorship can outshine a dozen banner ads.
Get Out in the Real World
Digital’s great, but nothing beats showing up IRL. Sponsor a Pride event, a kink workshop, or a sex-ed class. Host a session on “Pleasure After Menopause” or “Intro to Pegging” tied to awareness months. These aren’t just community wins—they’re media magnets.
Partner with creators for co-branded events and document every moment. Photos, stories, tags—make your brand look like it’s already news. Outlets love covering what’s already buzzing.
The Big Picture
Pleasure brand marketing isn’t about diluting your edge; it’s about translating your values into stories that stick. Whether it’s a podcast guest spot or a Pride sponsorship, every move should scream authenticity. The goal? Shift sex and intimacy into the mainstream convo where it belongs. Get it right, and you’re not just selling toys—you’re changing the game.
